Sleep Equity Project is PATIENT led and focused on underserved people impacted disproportionally by sleep Inequities/disparities.Â
Earlier mortality and the onset of other health conditions as a result of poor sleep and sleep disorders is at the heart of why Sleep Equity Project exists.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to make the health benefit of high quality sleep equally accessible to all individuals, families, communities regardless of socioeconomic status, environment, and gender identity.
Advances in medicine and sleep research have shown that sleep deprivation increases the level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the body which contributes to the development of disease. (1)
Sleep Disorders and Poor Sleep
Common sleep disorders like insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy and sleep apnea can affect every aspect of your life including your safety, relationships, school and work performance, thinking, mental health, weight and the development of diabetes and heart disease. Not getting enough quality sleep can hurt your quality of life. (2)
​​Sleep Equity Advocacy Priorities​
Our overall platform for underserved populations are focused on:
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Access
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Affordability
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Health Equity
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Patient Safety
Poor Sleep And Development of Diseases
What Are Sleep Disparities?
Why is poor quality sleep not good?
Sleep health disparities (SHDs), defined as differences in one or more dimensions of sleep health (duration, efficiency, timing, regularity, alertness, and quality)—on a consistent basis—that adversely affect designated disadvantaged populations. (3)
Sleep disruption is associated with increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, metabolic effects, changes in circadian rhythms, and pro-inflammatory responses. In otherwise healthy adults, short-term consequences of sleep disruption include increased stress responsivity, somatic pain, reduced quality of life, emotional distress and mood disorders, and cognitive, memory, and performance deficits. (4)
What does the outcome of Sleep Equity Look Like?
If equity were achieved for people who are underserved, what would that look like?
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Diagnosed with sleep disorders and treated at the same rate as others in society.
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Diagnosis and Sleep treatment is accessible across the lifespan.
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Mortality rate from related illnesses goes down as a result of people being treated earlier for sleep disorders.
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Learn More by clicking below
Take Action
Most movements start small and grow into a force that spurs change.
Will you help us grow?
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Volunteer skills (Take action and see list)
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Collaborate with us!
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Sleep Disparity Research, News, Links to Collections
Over the last 30 years, we have seen Sleep Disparities come into focus in various ways.
The sleep medicine and research community have led the way in highlighting the disproportionate impact of sleep disorders and insufficient sleep on our health. A special focus has been placed on those who experience health conditions related to insufficient sleep and sleep disorders.
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There are journalists who have published well-written articles based on science who interview important sleep researchers and sleep practitioners.
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There are also collections that highlight sleep disparities. CLICK HERE
There are over 80 different sleep disorders. While these are the most common, all people with sleep disorders share the same invisible struggle with the duration, quality, and timing of sleep. It is important to recognize that we as patients with sleep disorders regardless of diagnosis, struggle nightly with something that most others take for granted. And during the day, this invisible condition will have a dramatic impact on the quality of our lives, relationships, and ability to earn a living.
Sleep Disorders By The Numbers
Estimated in the United States
Note: This site is still under construction. We are still a small organization. Please excuse any errors. Our resources page is still being developed. If you have copy writing skills and have some time, please see the take action to volunteer.
Disclaimer:
This site is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be taken for medical advise. Please consult your physician before you make any changes to your sleep treatment